Those soaked up some for sure. I recommend listening to the podcast for deeper insights to the beer.

One thing I did not have on there is the first listing of Cascade/Centennial are were in for 7 days. Then the last round including the Simcoe/Amarillo went in. I put a fine mesh nylon bag that has been boiled over the racking cane as a filter when racking. The whole/pellet hops are free in the carboy. Once the hops are no longer floating, I slow the racking rate to allow the beer time to flow through the hop bed. Helps get some more of the beer out of the hops.

The Knockout addition is pretty big, and on of the keys to this beer is a long whirlpool. I recirc. using the March pump, and stir on occasion for 45 minutes. The temp is about 175F at the end so I am not worried about infections. Then chill as normal from there. This also helps to get the bitterness up.

I looked at some of the online specs for the beer and it finishes about 1.014. A little higher than Pliny the Elder, but there is no sugar in this beer.

Had Double Jack the last time we were in Chicago, and I have to say that is another good one from Matt.

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Jeff RankertAnn Arbor Brewers Guild, AHA Member, BJCP CertifiedHome-brewing, not just a hobby, it is a lifestyle!

We stopped by the brewery in Paso last April 2010. The whole lineup was very solid. The Firestone Union system looks to be a lot of work. The DBA and Pale 31 make the Union worth the work. Matt is one heck of a brewer.

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Jeff RankertAnn Arbor Brewers Guild, AHA Member, BJCP CertifiedHome-brewing, not just a hobby, it is a lifestyle!

Firestone is one of my favorites, love Union Jack. Always felt that style wise it was somewhere between an American and English IPA. DBA is my favorite from them though, really love that beer. I go down to the brewery every couple months or so and they often have an unfiltered DBA that they only serve at the brewery. The Double DBA which they came out with last year is also fantastic.

That said - it is a pretty big disappointment when its not fresh. I can get it when I'm in St. Louis, and I've found a few stores who keep it cold and go through it fast. If its warm and >2 months old, I pass it by.

That said - it is a pretty big disappointment when its not fresh. I can get it when I'm in St. Louis, and I've found a few stores who keep it cold and go through it fast. If its warm and >2 months old, I pass it by.

That explains why I didn't like it. We recently started getting FW distributed out my way in the past few years, and I had heard a lot of good things about Union Jack, but it was pretty blah when I tried it. We have quite a few stores with a wide selection of craft beer around here, but the wide selection comes at the expense of freshness. I'd like to try it again if I was sure it was in top condition. Judging by the grain bill, it looks like my kind of IPA.

That said - it is a pretty big disappointment when its not fresh. I can get it when I'm in St. Louis, and I've found a few stores who keep it cold and go through it fast. If its warm and >2 months old, I pass it by.

That explains why I didn't like it. We recently started getting FW distributed out my way in the past few years, and I had heard a lot of good things about Union Jack, but it was pretty blah when I tried it. We have quite a few stores with a wide selection of craft beer around here, but the wide selection comes at the expense of freshness. I'd like to try it again if I was sure it was in top condition. Judging by the grain bill, it looks like my kind of IPA.

+1. The 1st time I tried it, I wasn't impressed - it was ~ 2 months old IIRC. Took a trip out west later on and got it fresh and it blew me away. I think FW and Alpine make maybe the 2 best AIPAs.

"REMEMBER: Watch for bottled on dates located on the necks or bottom left corner of the label for each of our beers. Our beer is not pasteurized, so it is best when stored at 44F or below, out of light and within 120 days of the bottled on date...this ensures freshness and ultimately a great Firestone Walker beer!"

I just had a bottle of double jack night that I found in the beer fridge that I didn't even realize I had. It's been in my fridge for about three months and was bottled in December. I thought it was probably going to be overly sweet and oxidized but when I cracked it open I was pleasantly surprised. Really nice flavor with a good balance of bitterness and residual sweetness. I had no problem finishing the bomber. I'll definitely buy another one.